To be launched in 2018, EUTELSAT 5 West B will replace the EUTELSAT 5 West A satellite at 5° West, a key digital infrastructure addressing predominantly French, Italian and Algerian broadcast markets.

EUTELSAT 5 West B will provide business continuity and improved quality for these services via a Ku-band payload of 35 equivalent 36 MHz transponders connected to three service areas. Switchable transponders will also increase commercial flexibility.

Eutelsat has selected Airbus Defence and Space and Orbital ATK to build the new satellite. Under the terms of the agreement Airbus Defence and Space will build the satellite’s payload while the platform will be manufactured by Orbital ATK.